Product News

The Roland Mobile UA Explained

Anyone who’s serious about audio quality will certainly want to experience Roland’s Mobile UA Audio Interface. The Mobile UA is currently the smallest audio interface in the world to utilize the Direct Stream Digital (DSD) audio format. Its sole purpose is to produce the most accurate audio possible out of your computer no matter where you are – at home, in the studio, or on stage.Understanding DSD
The most common audio format in the world is PCM audio. The majority of people will know the PCM format very well, as it’s utilized in the infamous Compact Disc. A traditional CD’s format runs at 16 bit, 44.1 kHz which produces very nice, high quality, audio.

The DSD audio format works differently than PCM audio. DSD utilizes 1 bit processing, which allows for the ultra-high sample rate of 2.8 MHz – 64 times that of CD audio. Because of its 2.8 MHz sample rate, DSD audio can produce superior dynamic transitions and greater accuracy across all frequencies. Many people will agree that DSD audio characteristics mirror that of analog audio, which is highly desirable. Candy for your ears!It’s all in the DAC
It’s important to understand that the Mobile UA does not alter or change any of the audio files that exist on your computer. It simply uses its DAC (Digital Analog Converter) to convert the digital audio signals on the way out of the computer into an analog audio signal. This then allows you to connect and amplify your audio through headphones, monitors, PA system . . . etc.

Most DACs utilize the PCM format to convert audio signals. The Mobile UA; however, contains a newly designed DAC, utilizing Roland’s S1LKi (‘silky’) technology that upscales the audio conversion by using the DSD format. This means the Mobile UA has unparalleled dynamics and accuracy when compared to traditional PCM based interfaces.

5 Uses for the Mobile UA
The Mobile UA is all about producing the best audio signal out of your computer. Although its uses are not limited to these situations, here are five reasons you’d want to have the Mobile UA in your life.

Post Production Audio – When mixing and mastering audio, the general goal is to keep the good stuff and discard the bad. Because of its accuracy, the Mobile UA makes the strengths and flaws in your audio more apparent, allowing you to discard the flaws.

Live Performance – The Mobile UA has two hi-powered outputs. The outputs can be mirrored, or each can be assigned its own audio channel. This provides the perfect portable solution for anyone using a computer during live performances; most notably – DJs, who generally require a main mix output and a cue output. What’s more, the dynamic capabilities of the Mobile UA allows for super clean audio output, which means sound is more tolerable at high volumes.

Post Production Video – Video editors often need to sync their visual tracks to audio tracks and precision timing is key. The ability to hear every detail of sound can mean all the difference when trying to match a voice coming out of a speaker to a moving mouth on screen. The Mobile UA is the perfect interface for video editors.

Audio Education – The Mobile UA offers the perfect space-saving solution to educational institutions who must have a collection of ‘mini studios’ set up in a single room. Moreover, the Mobile UA’s audio fidelity outputs super-clean audio; perfect for teaching and recognizing the fundamentals of sound.

Hi-Fi Audio Enjoyment – If you are simply a lover of fine audio quality and want to hear every nuance of your favourite music, the Mobile UA will make your music shine. In fact, old songs may sound new all over again!

The Mobile UA is all about providing superior audio output and really, the only way to truly appreciate it is to hear it in person. I invite you to bring some of your favourite music to your local Roland dealer and listen to it through the Mobile UA. I assure you, the increase in audio quality is instantly noticeable and you’ll wish that all audio could sound that good!

Written by Adrian Marsi

Anyone who’s serious about audio quality will certainly want to experience Roland’s Mobile UA Audio Interface. The Mobile UA is currently the smallest audio interface in the world to utilize the Direct Stream Digital (DSD) audio format. Its sole purpose is to produce the most accurate audio possible out of your computer no matter where you are – at home, in the studio, or on stage.Understanding DSD
The most common audio format in the world is PCM audio. The majority of people will know the PCM format very well, as it’s utilized in the infamous Compact Disc. A traditional CD’s format runs at 16 bit, 44.1 kHz which produces very nice, high quality, audio.

The DSD audio format works differently than PCM audio. DSD utilizes 1 bit processing, which allows for the ultra-high sample rate of 2.8 MHz – 64 times that of CD audio. Because of its 2.8 MHz sample rate, DSD audio can produce superior dynamic transitions and greater accuracy across all frequencies. Many people will agree that DSD audio characteristics mirror that of analog audio, which is highly desirable. Candy for your ears!It’s all in the DAC
It’s important to understand that the Mobile UA does not alter or change any of the audio files that exist on your computer. It simply uses its DAC (Digital Analog Converter) to convert the digital audio signals on the way out of the computer into an analog audio signal. This then allows you to connect and amplify your audio through headphones, monitors, PA system . . . etc.

Most DACs utilize the PCM format to convert audio signals. The Mobile UA; however, contains a newly designed DAC, utilizing Roland’s S1LKi (‘silky’) technology that upscales the audio conversion by using the DSD format. This means the Mobile UA has unparalleled dynamics and accuracy when compared to traditional PCM based interfaces.

5 Uses for the Mobile UA
The Mobile UA is all about producing the best audio signal out of your computer. Although its uses are not limited to these situations, here are five reasons you’d want to have the Mobile UA in your life.

Post Production Audio – When mixing and mastering audio, the general goal is to keep the good stuff and discard the bad. Because of its accuracy, the Mobile UA makes the strengths and flaws in your audio more apparent, allowing you to discard the flaws.

Live Performance – The Mobile UA has two hi-powered outputs. The outputs can be mirrored, or each can be assigned its own audio channel. This provides the perfect portable solution for anyone using a computer during live performances; most notably – DJs, who generally require a main mix output and a cue output. What’s more, the dynamic capabilities of the Mobile UA allows for super clean audio output, which means sound is more tolerable at high volumes.

Post Production Video – Video editors often need to sync their visual tracks to audio tracks and precision timing is key. The ability to hear every detail of sound can mean all the difference when trying to match a voice coming out of a speaker to a moving mouth on screen. The Mobile UA is the perfect interface for video editors.

Audio Education – The Mobile UA offers the perfect space-saving solution to educational institutions who must have a collection of ‘mini studios’ set up in a single room. Moreover, the Mobile UA’s audio fidelity outputs super-clean audio; perfect for teaching and recognizing the fundamentals of sound.

Hi-Fi Audio Enjoyment – If you are simply a lover of fine audio quality and want to hear every nuance of your favourite music, the Mobile UA will make your music shine. In fact, old songs may sound new all over again!

The Mobile UA is all about providing superior audio output and really, the only way to truly appreciate it is to hear it in person. I invite you to bring some of your favourite music to your local Roland dealer and listen to it through the Mobile UA. I assure you, the increase in audio quality is instantly noticeable and you’ll wish that all audio could sound that good!